Pontoon boats are by far the most popular type of boat in the world today. They are known for their versatility and comfortable ride. However, like any other boat, pontoon boats need an anchor to keep them secure when they are in the water. Finding the right anchor for your pontoon boat is an important step in owning a boat and ensuring your safety and enjoyment when out on the water.
Best Anchor for Pontoon Boat
The best anchor for a pontoon boat is an anchor that is designed specifically for pontoon boats. These anchors are usually heavier than conventional anchors and have a more secure grip on the bottom of the water. They are also designed to accommodate the unique shape of pontoon boats, which helps prevent the anchor from slipping or becoming dislodged.
- Extreme Max 3006.6645 BoatTector Vinyl-Coated Spike Anchor: This 18.5 lbs anchor works well in rivers, lakes, or canals with sandy, silty, or muddy bottoms. The vinyl coating protects your boat from scratches.
- Lewmar Claw Anchor: Available in several weight options, this anchor is a good all-around choice suitable for a variety of conditions and seabed types.
- Danielson River PVC Coat Anchor: A popular choice for river anchoring, it’s designed to hold well in rocky bottoms. The PVC coating helps prevent damage to your boat.
- Slide Anchor Box Anchor: This anchor is a great option if you need something compact and easy to store. It works well in most conditions and doesn’t need a chain to anchor effectively.
- Minn Kota DeckHand 40 Electric Anchor Winch: While this is not an anchor itself, it’s an electric winch system that can handle a 20–40 lbs anchor, making the task of anchoring easier.
- Seachoice Deluxe Anchor: Available in different weight options, this fluke-style anchor provides a firm hold in mud, sand, or gravel seabeds.
- MarineNow Black PVC Vinyl Coated River Anchor: Another good option for river environments, the vinyl coating prevents damage to your boat, and the anchor design is effective in rocky or sandy bottoms.
These anchors are typically made from durable materials such as stainless steel or galvanized steel, which helps to ensure the anchor’s longevity and reliability.
Pontoon boats are typically larger than other types of boats, so it is important to select an anchor that is appropriately sized for the weight and size of the boat. Select an anchor with a good holding power, as this will help ensure the boat stays in place in choppy or windy conditions. Selecting an anchor with a good drag rating is beneficial, as this will help the anchor stay in place if the boat is pulled by strong currents.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Anchor for Pontoon
Before you can choose the best anchor for your pontoon boat, you need to be aware of some key factors to consider. The following are a few of the things to keep in mind when selecting an anchor.
- Boat Size: Larger boats generally need heavier anchors to secure them. As a rule of thumb, you need roughly 1 pound of anchor weight for every foot of boat length, but this can vary depending on other factors.
- Seabed Composition: Different types of anchors are suited to different bottom conditions. Fluke (Danforth) anchors are great for sandy and muddy bottoms, plow-style anchors work well in various conditions, and mushroom anchors are suited to softer, muddy bottoms. If you’ll be boating in a variety of conditions, you may need more than one type of anchor.
- Weight and Size of the Anchor: The anchor needs to be heavy enough to secure the boat, but not so heavy that it’s difficult to deploy and retrieve. If your pontoon boat is larger or if you’re in an area with strong winds or currents, you may need a heavier anchor.
- Storage Space: Some anchors, like the box or fluke anchors, can be disassembled or folded flat for storage, which can be a crucial consideration if your pontoon boat has limited storage space.
- Material and Durability: Marine environments can be harsh. Look for anchors made from durable, corrosion-resistant materials like galvanized or stainless steel.
- Price: While it’s not the only factor to consider, price is always a consideration. Don’t automatically go for the cheapest option; instead, look for the best value considering the other factors listed here.
- Ease of Use: Consider how easy the anchor is to deploy and retrieve, and whether it tends to get stuck in the seabed. Some anchors come with features that make them easier to retrieve if they get snagged.
Remember, the best anchor for you will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. You may even need more than one anchor if you boat in a variety of conditions.
Weight
The weight of the anchor is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting an anchor for your pontoon boat. The anchor needs to be heavy enough to keep the boat in place in different conditions. The weight of the anchor should be appropriate for the size and weight of your pontoon boat.
Material
The material of the anchor is also important when selecting the best anchor for your pontoon boat. Different materials have different properties, and the material of the anchor can affect its performance. Common materials used for anchors include steel, cast iron, aluminum, and stainless steel.
Design
The design of the anchor is also important when selecting the best anchor for your pontoon boat. Different designs can affect the performance of the anchor. Common designs include fluke, claw, and plow anchors.
Price
The price of the anchor is also an important factor to consider. Different anchors can range in price from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. It is important to find an anchor that is within your budget and also provides the performance you need.
What size anchor do I need for a pontoon boat?
The size of anchor you need for a pontoon boat depends on the size of the boat and the conditions of the body of water you plan to use it in. Generally, an 8–10 pound anchor is suitable for pontoon boats under 20 feet, while larger boats may require an anchor of 15–20 pounds. If you plan to use your pontoon boat in strong currents or deep water, you may need to select an anchor that is heavier than what is recommended for your boat size. It is important to consider the type of bottom you will be anchoring in as well, as some anchors are better suited for sand, mud, or rock.
Fluke anchors are good for pontoon boats because they are light and easy to deploy, while mushroom anchors are a good choice in sandy bottoms or for boats with limited swing room.
Plow anchors are typically heavier and ideal for boats in choppy waters, while Danforth anchors are excellent for light boats and are good in most bottom conditions. Right anchor will depend on the size of your boat, the depth and current of the water, and the type of bottom you plan to anchor in.
Pontoon boat anchor system
A pontoon boat anchor system consists of an anchor, anchor line, and a way of attaching the anchor line to the boat. The anchor is usually a plow anchor, a type of anchor designed for use in soft bottoms like mud or sand. The anchor is attached to the anchor line, which is usually made of nylon or polypropylene rope. The anchor line is attached to the boat with a shackle, a carabiner, or a cleat. It is typically long enough to reach the bottom of the body of water where the boat is located.
It also needs to be long enough to allow the boat to move freely with changes in the tide or wind. If the anchor is too short, the boat will be unable to move freely, which could cause the anchor to drag and the boat to drift. It should be thick enough to hold the boat in place without slipping or breaking. The anchor should also be heavy enough to stay in place even when the boat is in motion. Anchor and anchor line should be stored in a secure location on the boat for easy access when needed.
Types of Anchors for Pontoon Boats
Now that you know what factors to consider when selecting an anchor, let’s look at the different types of anchors available.
- Fluke (Danforth) Anchor: With its two sharp flukes, this anchor is designed to dig into sandy or muddy bottoms, providing a strong hold. It’s lightweight, easy to store, and works well for pontoon boats.
- Box (Slide) Anchor: This anchor is great for pontoon boats because it requires less line to anchor and folds flat for easy storage. It works well in a variety of bottom conditions, from rocky to sandy or muddy.
- Mushroom Anchor: Best used in soft, silty bottoms, this anchor relies on its weight and the suction effect it creates with the seabed to hold the boat in place. It’s not ideal for rocky or heavy current conditions.
- Plow Anchor: Resembling a farmer’s plow, these anchors can swivel around to reset themselves if the boat drifts or the current changes. They’re good for a variety of bottom types but can be somewhat bulky to store.
- River (Navy) Anchor: This anchor type is ideal for rivers or lakes with strong currents or heavy winds. It’s designed to hold well in rocky or hard bottoms.
There are a few different types of anchors that are commonly used on pontoon boats.
Fluke Anchors
Fluke anchors are the most popular type of anchor for pontoon boats. They are designed to dig into the bottom of the lake or river and provide a secure hold. They are usually made of steel or cast iron and are available in a variety of weights.
Advantages
Fluke anchors are easy to set and retrieve and are very effective in most conditions. They are also relatively inexpensive and can be purchased for a few dollars.
Disadvantages
Fluke anchors can be difficult to set in rocky or muddy bottoms, and they are not as effective in strong currents.
Claw Anchors
Claw anchors are another popular type of anchor for pontoon boats. They are designed with a “claw” shape that allows them to dig into the bottom of the lake or river and provide a secure hold. They are usually made of aluminum or stainless steel and are available in a variety of weights.
Advantages
Claw anchors are easy to set and retrieve and are very effective in most conditions. They are also relatively lightweight and can be easily transported.
Disadvantages
Claw anchors can be difficult to set in rocky or muddy bottoms, and they are not as effective in strong currents.
Plow Anchors
Plow anchors are a type of anchor that is designed to be dragged across the bottom of the lake or river. They are usually made of steel or cast iron and are available in a variety of weights.
Advantages
Plow anchors are very effective in most conditions and can be used in strong currents. They are also lightweight and easy to transport.
Disadvantages
Plow anchors can be difficult to set in rocky or muddy bottoms, and they are more expensive than other types of anchors.
FAQs
What is the best anchor for a pontoon boat?
The best anchor for a pontoon boat will depend on the size and weight of the boat, the conditions in which it will be used, and your budget. Fluke, claw, and plow anchors are all popular types of anchors for pontoon boats.
How much does a pontoon boat anchor cost?
The cost of a pontoon boat anchor will depend on the size and material of the anchor. Anchors can range in price from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars.
How do I set an anchor on my pontoon boat?
Setting an anchor on a pontoon boat is relatively easy. You need to select the right anchor for your boat. Then, you need to attach the anchor line to the anchor and secure it to the boat. You need to drop the anchor into the water and secure it to the boat.
How do I retrieve an anchor from my pontoon boat?
Retrieving an anchor from a pontoon boat is relatively easy. You need to loosen the anchor line from the anchor. Then, you need to pull the anchor out of the water and onto the boat. You need to secure the anchor to the boat and store it in a safe place.
Conclusion
There are a variety of anchors available for pontoon boats, and it is important to consider the factors listed above when selecting the best anchor for your boat. It is also important to research the different types of anchors and find one that meets your needs and fits within your budget. With the right anchor, you can ensure the safety and enjoyment of your time out on the water.